Non-linear Modelling of a Geomesh-Reinforced Earthen Wall Subjected to Dynamic Loading

Earthen structures externally reinforced with geogrid mesh are becoming a viable alternative for improving the seismic vulnerability of adobe dwellings. The ductile properties of the geogrid provide the necessary deformability to the overall structure so that it may resist a moderate earthquake with certain damage and prevent loss of life. This practice has been studied thoroughly, on an experimental basis, in countries like Peru, but an adequate numerical model that simulates the combined cyclic and non-linear behavior of the adobe and the geogrid reinforcement is still a work in progress. This research aims to improve a previous model of a geomesh-reinforced adobe wall where the geogrid was idealized as a linear-elastic material with an equivalent initial elastic modulus. Now, the new constitutive law for the geogrid reproduces a non-linear elasto-plastic stress-strain relationship which aims to simulate the hysteretic cycles of a real cyclic pushover test of an geomesh-reinforced adobe wall. Lastly, the calibrated numerical model is subjected to dynamic base loadings with the aim of simulating earthquakes of varying magnitudes. These results will be useful for future studies to evaluate the seismic performance of reinforced earthen structures.